Does your house need a fence? Does your house look better with a fence? Whether you’re selling now or in the next 60-90 days, installing a new fence before listing a home is something to consider. Here’s why and what to do first. Click on this site for more information.
Maybe it’s a fence panel that’s tilted a little sideways by the driveway, or a gate that’s dragging, or a backyard that doesn’t quite feel enclosed. Those kinds of things pop up in photos. Or maybe the patio looks great, but there’s a hole in the fence that you never noticed until someone’s standing right next to it, looking over the back yard. Maybe your new cushions make the patio look inviting, but if the fencing looks old and worn, it can be jarring. For sellers considering adding a fence within the next few months before going to market, here’s how to get started.
Start With What Buyers Notice
Walk the yard the way buyers do, checking every detail. Pay attention to things like a loose nail, a broken latch, a gate that sticks, or a post that’s pulling away from the ground. These things may seem fine if you’ve lived with them for years, but when buyers are walking around, even little things draw their attention.
Look for bigger issues that need fixing. Is the fence leaning against a bush? Does the gate drag and need a shove to close? Are there mismatched replacement boards? These things can make a nice-looking yard feel like another chore for the buyers. Also, think about how the fence works with the way you want the yard to look. Is there a hook for string lights still on the house? That could be a nice touch, especially with a basic, modern fence behind it.
Know When a Repair Won’t Do
Some fences can’t really be repaired. Replacing one board is easy; replacing the boards on three sides of your yard can be a challenge, because the wood grain and color won’t quite match. It can be hard to tell just by looking at if you can repair the fence or if you need to replace it.
Look at the posts first – if they’re straight and the boards are level, then there’s a good chance you only need to replace some of the boards. Maybe you just need a new latch, and some of the boards aligned. It can make all the difference in how a back yard or side yard looks (Justice Fence covers fence installation if you want that route).
If the posts are leaning, or if you can see gaps between the boards, then replacing the whole fence will probably be easier. That way, buyers don’t have to worry about whether they’re going to pull apart when they lean on it, or whether a neighboring property is peeking through the fence.
Choose What Works with the Yard
A clean, simple fence looks great with a freshly renovated patio (https://www.gharpedia.com/blog/renovating-patio-for-2023/), a new coat of paint, or a new front door. Sometimes you want a fence that looks good but doesn’t compete with the yard. Maybe you want a neutral-colored fence so that it doesn’t clash with the deck chairs or the potted plants or the barbecue grill.
In a townhouse, privacy may be the main concern. If the patio is right next to a neighbor’s deck, or if there’s a neighbor’s balcony right above the patio, then a fence might be a good idea. A nice fence can help you feel more comfortable when you’re outside, especially if you have pets.
On a corner lot, a fence can block your view of the yard, especially if the yard is small. If the fence blocks your view, you might not notice that it’s blocking the view from the front yard. Make sure that you’re getting the right amount of privacy.
Talk Through Shared Boundaries
Before you order any fence, talk to your neighbors. Is the fence going to go right up against their fence? Will you need to dig near their shed? Do they have any fences already? This is important to know before your crew shows up so that they don’t have to move anything around or deal with a neighbor’s complaint. You’ll want to get a quote on the fence, but you also need to make sure that the neighbor’s fence isn’t in the way.
Leave Enough Time Before Listing
Fencing takes time, so make sure that you’re scheduling things well in advance. You need to be able to finish the work well before you take photos, and before your neighbors and potential buyers come around. You need to leave time for the yard to settle, and for any repairs or changes to be made. After the fence is done, you need to make sure that everything looks clean. Clean up the yard, put the furniture back in place, and make sure the gates are secure. Then, when you go to photograph it again, you can check the fence line and make sure that everything looks good.
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